How frequently do you fly first class? (tickets, Boston, Texas)
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It's not the same, trust me. If this is for vacation, it's PART of the vacation...
I agree with this. I haven't flown first class overseas but I regularly fly first class on domestic flights. The price difference isn't that significant on the domestic flights I've booked (one as recently as last week) and in fact, I've lucked up and actually snagged a first class ticket for BELOW the price of an economy ticket on a last minute flight recently (Texas to Ohio - $365!)
Just flew first class to and from Maine from Texas and the difference in service and comfort was striking. Definitely worth the $150 more or so per ticket for my husband and me. Like someone else pointed out, it's all inclusive, so no nickel and diming after purchase. Two checked bags each - free. Comfortable, spacious seat vs cramped seat or upcharge - free. Two Bloody Marys each - free. Ear pods - free. Good food vs mediocre food. Excellent, personalized service.
I would think twice about it if the cost increase was in the thousands of dollars, but a couple of hundred? No problem.
I agree with this. I haven't flown first class overseas but I regularly fly first class on domestic flights. The price difference isn't that significant on the domestic flights I've booked (one as recently as last week) and in fact, I've lucked up and actually snagged a first class ticket for BELOW the price of an economy ticket on a last minute flight recently (Texas to Ohio - $365!)
Just flew first class to and from Maine from Texas and the difference in service and comfort was striking. Definitely worth the $150 more or so per ticket for my husband and me. Like someone else pointed out, it's all inclusive, so no nickel and diming after purchase. Two checked bags each - free. Comfortable, spacious seat vs cramped seat or upcharge - free. Two Bloody Marys each - free. Ear pods - free. Good food vs mediocre food. Excellent, personalized service.
I would think twice about it if the cost increase was in the thousands of dollars, but a couple of hundred? No problem.
How much was the Maine-Texas flight in economy per person? I have a San Diego-NYC flight with an economy ticket for $200, but first class would cost $486 more. NYC-SF was $200 for economy but over $1000 for first class. I couldn't convince myself to upgrade, even though this was a vacation.
US Domestic: Whenever humanly reasonable. Given that I am flexible, I can usually find a First class fare that is basically than Economy+fees for the luggage I am bringing. Example: When moving from NZ to Florida, the first class ticket of LA to Palm Beach on American was $100 cheaper (including 3 x 75lbs bags) than an Economy ticket including three bags of that weight. I needed the baggage and was grateful for the F class treatment. A similar occurrence happened for my move to Hawaii (this Friday!). Coach + bags =$400; First with bags = $500. For a 6 hour flight, I will pay the extra $100 for F, particularly for the extra space for my carry on stuff (documents, heirlooms).
Internationally: Only with points. I had some good times. (BA, Singapore, Thai, Emirates)
Only flown first domestically. I'm just over 5 feet tall so don't notice a big difference leg room wise but it is a bit more comfortable. Plus you get snacks. Flew first from Hawaii a few months ago; was definitely better than the coach trip inbound. All first class seats for me have been free upgrades at the gate.
I am wondering how much it is to upgrade using points on United metal to Europe...I'd like to take a trip there in December and 2 trips there next year.
Anyways, business seats on a longer flight are wayyy better than coach to me. The difference in how my body feels being able to actually lie down and get a little bit of rest in a business seat versus sitting in that same upright tight and cramped economy seat makes a world of difference...for me. But I've only paid for economy seats in my life; business tickets have been purchased for work. I can't justify it for a personal trip unless I can work the points system for it.
What is the difference between Business and First, apart from the price ? Businees would seem an upgrade to me, lowlife user of the "cattle class", though...
the seating and service are constantly evolving over time, some carriers offers cabins even beyond first ("suites", "resident", etc), so theres no definitive answer.
but a TYPICAL differentiator would be:
Business seats narrower, and are "exposed", side by side. some now are pods. not all have guaranteed aisle access (i.e. need to step over someone)
First chairs are much wider. Many are in enclosed pods.
First provide pajamas. Business dont.
First provides more luxurious amenity kit (designer toiletry bag, higher quality lotions, gels, etc)
First has champagne. Business sparkling wine, or otherwise lower quality champagne.
First has more courses or wider menu selection.
Often First have private airport lounges. less crowded than Business.
Often First have escorts to/from airport, from lounge to/from gate/plane. Or car service across the tarmac to the plane.
Obviously fewer passengers mean more attentive service.
Practically speaking, the value is in business class where you can stretch out your legs and can sleep. The step up to First is marginal. I've bought it a few times on sale but at standard prices i find it hard for anyone to make a convincing argument that its worth it
I've never flown first, am dying to try Business. Wife and I are trying to go to Japan next year, and just flying Business is pretty steep, about 10 grand round trip. Maybe we'll do Premium Economy lol.
Premium Economy doesn't seem an actual good deal to me : more expensive than economy without the substantial upgrade of flying business, am I right or not ?
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Ear pods - free. Good food vs mediocre food. Excellent, personalized service. 
